The Best Ice Cream Shops In Hong Kong: Gelato, Soft-Serve & More

Here’s the scoop on the best ice cream shops in Hong Kong, featuring Gelato Messina, XTC Gelato and more…

We won’t turn our nose up to a good old mochi ice cream from 7-Eleven or Mister Softee soft-serve, but if you’re looking for more frozen treats around town, we’ve got a long list recommendations to keep you cool this summer. Covering the most Insta-worthy scoops of gelato, ice cream sandwiches and vegan alternatives, here’s our ultimate guide to the best ice creams in Hong Kong.

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Hello Molly Gelato – Gelato made from scratch in Hong Kong, coming in adventurous flavours

Not a vanilla person? Hello Molly Gelato caters to the more adventurous sort with over 30+ fun and unique flavours on rotation at its Central Market shop. Bestsellers include Super Avocado and Planet Earth (a butterfly pea sea salt gelato with chunks of house-made matcha cake), but our personal favourites are the Asian-inspired flavours such as Beancurd Soup, Mango Crispy Rice and Milo Dinosaur. As the cherry on top, it’s worth mentioning that all recipes are created and hand-crafted in-house without any preservatives, artificial colouring or artificial flavouring. Plus, the company also provides ice cream catering services for parties, wholesale and bulk orders – you can never have too much ice cream, right?

Use code SASSY10HM to receive 10% off Hello Molly’s catering services. Offer valid until Saturday, 31 May, 2025.

Hello Molly Gelato, Shop 241, 2/F, Central Market, 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, 5963 2289, Facebook: Hello Molly Gelato, Instagram: @hellomollygelato, www.hellomollygelato.com

Dood Bottega Gelateria – Artisan Italian Gelato at K11 MUSEA

The mastermind behind this gelateria studied the art of gelato-making in Italy and is committed to sharing his fresh, handmade Italian gelato. Seek out Dood Bottega Gelateria’s futuristic shop in K11 MUSEA and order a Tasting Petti Set (an offering of four mini cups) to save you the trouble of having to pick just one flavour.

Dood Bottega Gelateria, Shop B201-23, B2/F, K11 MUSEA, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, WhatsApp: 9699 6624, www.facebook.com/DoodBottegaGelateria

Gelato Messina – Australian cult favourite with Hong Kong-inspired flavours

Brought to us all the way from Down Under, Australian cult favourite Gelato Messina presents freshly churned gelato in an array of signature flavours and rotating specials. If you’re new in town, you simply must try the Hong Kong exclusives, such as the Black Sesame Tong Yuen, HK Milk Tea, Tofu Fa and Dragon’s Back sorbet.

Sassy Tip: Celebrating a special occasion? Check out the brand’s fanciful selection of handmade gelato cakes, each one as IG-worthy as the other.

Gelato Messina, G/F, Car Po Commercial Building, 37-43 Pottinger Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.gelatomessina.com.hk

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Mamma Mia Gelato – Sugar-free gelato in Kowloon and the New Territories

This multi-generational ice cream business proudly provides a healthier alternative for gelato junkies. Its ice creams are made without fat, sugar, artificial colouring or preservatives, but manage to recreate the smooth and creamy consistency of authentic Italian gelato. Along with that, it’s got flavours you’ll keep coming back for. Don’t knock it before you try it!

Mamma Mia Gelato, various locations across Hong Kong, mammamiagelato.boutir.com

Frozen Yogurt Drool – Layered frozen yogurt parfaits

A great stop for a sweet treat as you’re shopping around Tsim Sha Tsui, this year-old froyo takeout shop is sure to make you salivate with its Insta-worthy layered creations. Can’t decide between a cone or a cup? Why not have your cup of frozen yogurt, toppings and sauce topped with a crisp meringue cone?

Frozen Yogurt Drool, Shop D, G/F, Cheung King Mansion, 144 Austin Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 9435 7638, www.instagram.com/drool.froyo_

Happy Cow – Hong Kong-made vegan ice cream

Just because you can’t eat dairy, doesn’t mean you can’t indulge! Just as creamy and moreish as the milky stuff, Happy Cow delivers delicious, locally produced plant-based ice cream. Available in flavours we know and love, such as Chocolate, Salted Caramel Swirl and Mint Choc Chip, our summertime go-to is the Pure Coconut ice cream textured with desiccated coconut.

Happy Cow Wheel Shop, Kiosk 3, Man Kwong Street, Hong Kong Observation Wheel, Central, Hong Kong, 2252 7773, www.happycowhk.com

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XTC Gelato – Natural, low-fat gelato and seasonal sorbet

An oldie but a goldie, we consider XTC Gelato a Hong Kong staple. Don’t underestimate this little shop (conveniently located in Central) because it offers a massive selection of classic and special flavours (such as Banana Caramella, Stem Ginger and Hong Kong Milk Tea). There’s something to satisfy everyone’s cravings — don’t forget to ask about the gelato cakes or wholesale options if you’re looking to feed a crowd.

XTC Gelato, Shop B, 45 Cochrane Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2541 0500, www.xtc.com.hk

Gino’s Gelato – Small-batch, artisan gelato made fresh daily

A go-to when you’re on a day out in Stanley or up at The Peak, Gino’s Gelato serves small-batch artisan gelato made fresh daily with 100% organic Irish milk. Using traditional Italian techniques, this gelateria marries fresh ingredients and seasonal fruits to produce over 30 flavours.

Sassy Tip: Don’t let your furry pal miss out the store’s dog-friendly treats, with a portion of each purchase going directly towards helping Hong Kong’s rescue pups.

Gino’s Gelato, Shop G09, G/F, Stanley Plaza, 23 Carmel Road, Stanley, Hong Kong, 2899 0314
Gino’s Gelato, Shop G18, Peak Tower, The Peak, Hong Kong, 2849 8314, www.ginosgelato.com

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BARISTA by Givrés – Insta-famous Gelato Roses

Sat on the corner of Staunton and Shelley Street, this artisan gelato café serves stunning patented Gelato Roses, which are carefully assembled petal by petal. Also known for its coffee, signature offerings at BARISTA by Givrés include the Rose Affogato and Floating Rose (iced coffee or tea topped with a gelato rose).

BARISTA by Givrés, G/F, 7 Staunton Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.givres.com

Gelato-Go Hong Kong –  American franchise in TST offering 70+ gelato flavours

This famous American gelato franchise opened its first Asia flagship store in Hong Kong, treating us to a dizzying selection of over 70 delicious flavours, a number of which feature natural ingredients such as Valrhona chocolate and pistachios flown in from Italy.

Gelato Go, 174 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2383 9118, gelatogohongkong.com

Via Tokyo – Matcha soft-serve ice cream

If you have a penchant for matcha, Via Tokyo is the spot for you. Expect to find a line outside this popular little soft serve ice cream store — always a good sign! The Original Matcha Cone never fails to hit the spot, and we’re always excited when the limited-time Royal Milk Tea flavour returns to the menu.

Via Tokyo, Shop 1A-1B, G/F, Leishun Court, 106-126 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 2895 1116, www.facebook.com/viatokyocafe

Smile Yogurt – Layered frozen yogurt creations

Sure to put a smile on your face, Smile Yogurt does froyo right, serving up the frozen treat with a wide range of add-ons to choose from. Cool down with a cup of Wild Summer (featuring layers of crispy pineapple, lychee, raspberry sauce, mango, homemade crumbs) or the Premium Smile 2024 (made with dried orange slices, caramel biscuits, passionfruit sauce, strawberry meringue, lychee, blueberries and homemade crumbs).

Smile Yogurt, various locations across Hong Kong, smile-yogurt.com

Holly Brown – Ice cream and toppings mixed on a frozen slab

You don’t simply go to Holly Brown for a single scoop of ice cream when there are so many delicious flavours and fun toppings available. Put together a mishmash creation in a tub or waffle bowl, or piled on top of a block of toast for an extra bit of indulgence. You can feel a little less guilty knowing Holly Brown’s gelato contains 50% less fat than many of the premium ice cream brands, plus they’re made with natural ingredients and real fruit.

Holly Brown, Shop 01, G/F, D2 Place Two, 15 Cheung Shun Street, Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2371 2826, www.hollybrowncoffee.com

Mister Softee – Hong Kong soft-serve ice cream truck

Practically an institution in Hong Kong, we’re well attuned to the sound of a Mister Softee ice cream truck nearby. The menu may be limited, but you can’t go wrong with the classic soft serve ice cream cone. There aren’t many vans left around Hong Kong but you can usually find one outside the Central and Tsim Sha Tsui ferry piers.

Read More: Your Guide To Local Hong Kong Desserts

More Ice Cream Shops In Hong Kong

• Elephant Grounds – Unique ice cream flavours, coming in waffle cones, ice cream sandwiches and soft-serve form. www.elephantgrounds.com
• Little Bao – Deep-fried ice cream baos in Soho. www.little-bao.com
• Kowloon Dairy – Makers of local favourite Mochi Ice. www.kowloondairy.com
• Yo Mama – Creamy frozen yogurt coupled with your choice of toppings. www.yomama.com.hk
• Ikea – Drop by the IKEA Bistro to see what limited-time ice cream flavours are on offer – there have been some interesting ones like Durian! www.ikea.com.hk
• Godiva – Luxuriously rich white and dark chocolate soft serve ice cream. www.godiva.com.hk
• The Matcha Tokyo – 100% organic matcha ice cream sundaes and soft-serves. www.facebook.com/TheMatchaTokyoHK
• So Coco – Cruelty-free vegan ice creams made locally with organic coconut milk and organic sugar. www.sococo.com.hk
• Häagen-Dazs – Classic and seasonal flavours, with more than 20 locations across the city. www.haagendazs.com.hk

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